I reach over to check it, expecting a text from Becky, my parents, or maybe a team group chat about practice tomorrow. Instead, I see a notification from Sports Network Magazine.
The title shows,Are Carter Elliot and Charlie Dodds the NFL’s First Power Couple?
“What the fuck?” I mutter, unlocking my phone. My stomach drops as I open the article.
There it is. A perfect shot from earlier today, the one with the two redheads at Spiral. Me on one side and Charlie on the other. We’re standing close, smiling awkwardly, the way people do when strangers force you into a photo.
Nate notices immediately. “What’s up?”
I tilt the screen toward him, and his eyes widen. “The media is absurd! You guys just look like friends.”
There’s an enlarged headline over the photo:Carter Elliott Seen Getting Cozy With Retired NFL Star at NYC Gay Bar.
Below the picture is a paragraph of pure speculation:Both players were spotted at Spiral, a well-known LGBTQ+ bar in New York City. Sources say they appeared close and shared multiple drinks over several hours. Could Charlie Dodds be dating again? And is Carter Elliot following in his footsteps?
I toss the phone face down on the couch, skin radiating with anger. “This is bullshit.”
Nate raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. I know, but just tell yourself that it is a rumor and that nothing will come of it.”
“I know. Ugh, No. I don’t know.” I run a hand through my hair. “This is a rumor, yes, but I feel like it's a matter of time until the truth comes out. I hate that the world will think I am with Charlie, though, and not you.”
Nate’s expression softens. “Well, I’m not a famous football player. So, it wouldn't be an interesting story. After next weekend’s performance, on the other hand...”
I sit forward, elbows on my knees. “You’re right. Doesn’t the title, ‘Carter Elliot, sparks romance with famous singer Nate Ryan’sound so much better,” I joke.
Nate’s quiet for a moment, then says, “Are you going to deny it if anyone asks?”
That question hits harder than I expect.
“I don’t want to lie,” I say. “But I also don’t want the first time anyone talks about me being gay to be a rumor I didn’t even start.
“Carter,” Nate says gently, “you don’t owe the world a perfectly worded statement. You owe yourself the truth. And maybe your team, when you’re ready. But you don’t owe anything to the public, especially some ridiculous media source. Especially one that thinks two guys standing next to each other means you’re both madly in love.”
“I’m not going to deny anything,” I say finally. “But I’m also not letting some ridiculous reporters write my story.”
Nate leans in and kisses my cheek. “Good. Because if they knew what you really did with men. Like everything? That would be a way better story.”
I look at Nate, and while I go in for a kiss, I let slip out, “I love you.”
Nate, with confident eyes, looks at me and says, “I love you too, babe.”
By the time the movie is over, it’s already eleven and Nate is already passed out on the couch. I lightly shake him awake and drag him to bed, where we both pass out.
Nate
“Did we really just say ‘I love you’ to each other?” I ask, still kind of stunned. “I mean, it’s not too soon, right? Also, remember I was the first one to say it? ”
Carter snorts. “You’re an idiot. I was the first one. And just remember, that’s part of our history now. I was the first to say ‘I love you,’ and no, it’s not too soon, idiot. We’ve been together for almost two months. Like you said, there’s no timeline.”
I grin. “Fair enough. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in so long, and I have to thankyoufor that. You excited to go back to Newark? Or are you heading to Mel’s to rehearse for your big show?”
“About that…” I shift. “Listen, I’m not saying you were right or anything, and I’m definitely not saying this is permanent. But since I’m month-to-month in my Newark apartment, I think it makes sense financially to crash at your place for now. The hope is that I only need to crash here for two or three months.”
Carter’s eyes go wide. “Random. But, obviously, you could stay. You just caught me off guard a little. Ihavebeen asking you to do this for weeks.”
I nod. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of days now. Not too long, but long enough. And yeah, I’m mostly focused on Saturday's show. It’s a big deal, with lots of rich and famous people watching me. Maybe someone will notice me. You never know.”
Carter looks at me seriously. “You never know what’s gonna happen.”
